Miracle weight loss solution probably doesn’t exist. (This is news?)

An Oregon State University researcher has reviewed the body of evidence around weight loss supplements and has bad news for those trying to find a magic pill to lose weight and keep it off — it doesn’t exist.

Melinda Manore reviewed the evidence surrounding hundreds of weight loss supplements, a $2.4 billion industry in the United States, and said no research evidence exists that any single product results in significant weight loss — and many have detrimental health benefits.

The study is online in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

A few products, including green tea, fiber and low-fat dairy supplements, can have a modest weight loss benefit of 3-4 pounds (2 kilos), but it is important to know that most of these supplements were tested as part of a reduced calorie diet.

“For most people, unless you alter your diet and get daily exercise, no supplement is going to have a big impact,” Manore said.

Source: Science Daily

Oh, the dietary supplements industry is going to try to suppress this. But it’s no surprise. I see ads for these “miracle pills” on TV and while the loud claim is “you don’t have to exercise or change what you eat!”, the small print says “diet and exercise are recommended”. Funny, that. I always wondered why people would believe a cheezy informercial over a major company or health care professionals to help them achieve weight loss.

Exercise and not consuming more calories than you use is a simple equation that works. It’s not the most fun solution. People still long for that simpler fix. Do nothing, pop a pill for whatever is wrong.